cover image Fuzzy Navel: A Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels Mystery

Fuzzy Navel: A Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels Mystery

J. A. Konrath, . . Hyperion, $23.95 (271pp) ISBN 978-1-4013-0280-1

Lt. Jack Daniels of the Chicago PD has been in tight spots before, but she's never been in a bloodbath like the one in her over-the-top fifth outing (after 2007's Dirty Martini ). Pitted against one of her deadliest enemies plus three vigilante snipers armed with top-flight equipment, Daniels faces a prolonged fight for survival in which everyone on her side is disabled in significant ways and her opponents are out to slaughter everyone dear to her. The simple, brutal plot line tests Daniels's ingenuity, resolve and strength, not to mention readers' credulity. Konrath mutes the humor that leavened earlier entries in the series, while the constantly shifting points of view do little to aid the story's flow. Fans, however, won't want to miss this book because of some surprising developments in Daniels's personal life and an ending that promises more shocks in the next installment. (July)